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Jesse Wood
Waikato

Multimedia journalist writing for the Te Awamutu Courier and NZME.

We are your advocate, Aotearoa. Uncovering stories that matter, asking hard-hitting questions of those in power, live-blogging sport events, monitoring the highs and lows of the NZX and providing Premium expert opinion and analysis. Bringing you distinctive, quality journalism and breaking news from across New Zealand and around the world. With specialists working together to create indepth reads, engaging video, and unmissable podcasts.

Check out Jesse’s latest content
Up and Under: Kiwi Searancke - a rugby legend in Waikato and beyond
Sport

Up and Under: Kiwi Searancke - a rugby legend in Waikato and beyond

01 Jan 07:00 PM
The try that wowed fans: How Smiler-Ah Kiong captured top honours
Sport

The try that wowed fans: How Smiler-Ah Kiong captured top honours

29 Dec 09:16 PM

Latrell Smiler-Ah Kiong wins Fans Try of the Year at the 2024 ASB Rugby Awards.

Opinion: Leaving Te Awamutu Courier, but not the memories
Opinion

Opinion: Leaving Te Awamutu Courier, but not the memories

18 Dec 09:00 PM

Te Awamutu Courier journalist bids farewell, thanks community for support.

Golfer clocks up 100 rounds of golf with scores under his own age
Waikato Herald

Golfer clocks up 100 rounds of golf with scores under his own age

13 Dec 07:00 PM

Stuart Reid, 79, wins 2024 shoot-out, scores under age 100+ times; aims for more.

Te Awamutu boys' volleyball team wins Waikato junior title in thriller
Sport

Te Awamutu boys' volleyball team wins Waikato junior title in thriller

12 Dec 07:15 PM

Coach Mahonri Sunnex: 'We made it work and won the division championship.'

Te Awamutu's new ambulance: A community gift with an important story
Waikato Herald

Te Awamutu's new ambulance: A community gift with an important story

09 Dec 09:00 PM

Hato Hone St John Te Awamutu thanks Grassroots Trust and Numans at ambulance dedication.

Police respond to possible sighting of armed people on college campus
Waikato Herald

Police respond to possible sighting of armed people on college campus

26 Nov 03:12 AM

Police have since been stood down and believe there is no threat.

Waikato butchery Expleo brings home the bacon
Waikato Herald

Waikato butchery Expleo brings home the bacon

19 Nov 02:00 AM

The Te Awamutu business won four national awards recently.

Whangamatā golf tournament breaks local fundraising record
Waikato Herald

Whangamatā golf tournament breaks local fundraising record

17 Nov 09:00 PM

Whangamatā Golf Day raises over $27,000 for local charities.

Te Awamutu's Special Olympics meet lights up with local pride
Sport

Te Awamutu's Special Olympics meet lights up with local pride

16 Nov 05:30 PM

Hamilton cadets support Special Olympics, helping athletes and enhancing the event.

Waikato country music duo scoop up six award nominations in US
Waikato Herald

Waikato country music duo scoop up six award nominations in US

15 Nov 04:00 AM

The duo won Best New Artist at HUGS Radio Awards, nominated for six US awards.

Te Awamutu connections in Super Rugby Pacific squads 2025
Sport

Te Awamutu connections in Super Rugby Pacific squads 2025

15 Nov 01:27 AM

Ngane Punivai, now with Hurricanes, may see more playtime after Moorby's departure.

From NZ to Budapest: Hazel Ouwehand's four-year Olympic quest begins
Sport

From NZ to Budapest: Hazel Ouwehand's four-year Olympic quest begins

14 Nov 08:00 PM

Te Awamutu's Hazel Ouwehand, 24, balances swimming and a part-time accounting career.

Thames Valley Rugby Union celebrate Vixens and Swamp Foxes
Sport

Thames Valley Rugby Union celebrate Vixens and Swamp Foxes

11 Nov 11:00 PM

Will Martin shines at the Thames Valley Rugby awards, winning three for the Swamp Foxes.

The game that never was: Waikato players commemorate rugby history
Sport

The game that never was: Waikato players commemorate rugby history

09 Nov 05:30 PM

Despite no match in 1981, Waikato players celebrate camaraderie and the Ranfurly Shield.

Chris Bayley: Four-generation farm and a rugby past with Brian Lochore
Sport

Chris Bayley: Four-generation farm and a rugby past with Brian Lochore

08 Nov 08:00 PM

Chris Bayley recalls playing rugby with legends and running family's Pikiroa Farm.

'Kiwi-style coffee with an American feeling': Homebrew expands to Te Awamutu
Business

'Kiwi-style coffee with an American feeling': Homebrew expands to Te Awamutu

08 Nov 05:00 PM

Husband and wife duo bring unique coffee blend and community focus to new Te Awamutu shop.

From Kihikihi to Chiefs Manawa: Nolan secures spot in 2025 squad
Sport

From Kihikihi to Chiefs Manawa: Nolan secures spot in 2025 squad

07 Nov 08:00 PM

Kiriana Nolan, 22, said Waikato FPC coach James Semple had supported her.

From loss to lens: hobby photographer turns passion into business after brother's death
Business

From loss to lens: hobby photographer turns passion into business after brother's death

01 Nov 03:00 AM

Kayne Knight, 24, has launched Photos at Knight, capturing important moments in Waikato.

One of Waikato's longest-serving rugby refs honoured
Sport

One of Waikato's longest-serving rugby refs honoured

31 Oct 01:00 AM

Cotterell aims to strengthen Te Awamutu's referee group and continue his rugby passion.

Rosie Kelly joins Chiefs Manawa, embracing family ties in 2025 season
Waikato Herald

Rosie Kelly joins Chiefs Manawa, embracing family ties in 2025 season

25 Oct 03:01 AM

The experienced first five-eighth has spent the past two seasons playing for Matatū.

Family triumph: Delwyn Evans wins gold, son joins All Blacks XV coaching staff
Sport

Family triumph: Delwyn Evans wins gold, son joins All Blacks XV coaching staff

25 Oct 02:40 AM

Pirongia's Delwyn Evans wins gold in masters three and best lifter at Commonwealth Champs.

Photographer captures comet, meteor shower and kiwi-shaped nebula in one image
Waikato Herald

Photographer captures comet, meteor shower and kiwi-shaped nebula in one image

24 Oct 08:43 PM

Berge hiked to a remote location, avoiding light pollution to capture breathtaking skies.

Meatstock Hamilton 2025: Retro Valley in star-studded line-up at Mystery Creek
Waikato Herald

Meatstock Hamilton 2025: Retro Valley in star-studded line-up at Mystery Creek

17 Oct 12:00 AM

Retro Valley to perform at Meatstock Hamilton 2025, celebrating local music and BBQ.

Join the Rams: King Country seeks support for Lochore Cup showdown
Waikato Herald

Join the Rams: King Country seeks support for Lochore Cup showdown

16 Oct 09:45 PM

King Country Rams reach the 2024 Lochore Cup final after thrilling 34-31 win.

Te Awamutu's Jett Richmond shines in the mud at mini motocross nationals
Waikato Herald

Te Awamutu's Jett Richmond shines in the mud at mini motocross nationals

16 Oct 03:30 AM

Jett excels in mud, wins third race; family has strong motocross background.

Titus Proctor to fight Cory Crittenden for WKBF world title at GLOBOX Arena
Waikato Herald

Titus Proctor to fight Cory Crittenden for WKBF world title at GLOBOX Arena

11 Oct 12:38 AM

Proctor is aiming for the WKBF Middleweight World Title.

Mia Anderson re-signs with Chiefs Manawa for 2025 Sky Super Rugby Aupiki
Waikato Herald

Mia Anderson re-signs with Chiefs Manawa for 2025 Sky Super Rugby Aupiki

11 Oct 12:31 AM

Coach Dwayne Sweeney praised Anderson as a 'dominant ball carrier' and a team asset.

Former Pirongia resident Brad Mayo joins All Blacks XV management team
Waikato Herald

Former Pirongia resident Brad Mayo joins All Blacks XV management team

10 Oct 02:53 AM

All Blacks XV will face Munster in Ireland and Georgia in France next month.

Te Awamutu's Andrew Christie: Building pathways for young rugby talent
Waikato Herald

Te Awamutu's Andrew Christie: Building pathways for young rugby talent

09 Oct 11:30 PM

Coach promises a player-focused approach to his new role.

Music video a tribute to loved and lost parents
Waikato Herald

Music video a tribute to loved and lost parents

09 Oct 04:30 PM

First she lost her dad and then Mum died just as music career starts taking off.

Bixley's new book celebrates biodiversity with a musical twist
Waikato Herald

Bixley's new book celebrates biodiversity with a musical twist

01 Oct 09:00 PM

The Fantabulous Animal Orchestra, Bixley’s passion project, is now available in stores.

Pikiao Bracken Tairua leads Waikato success at Arsenal-X Hybrid Fight Series
Waikato Herald

Pikiao Bracken Tairua leads Waikato success at Arsenal-X Hybrid Fight Series

27 Sep 06:00 PM

Commentator Mike Angove praises rising talent, highlighting Tairua and Proctor's.

Home Kills crew tours Waikato cinemas with support from Waikato Screen
Waikato Herald

Home Kills crew tours Waikato cinemas with support from Waikato Screen

20 Sep 02:00 AM

Waipā mayor Susan O'Regan praises locally shot film Home Kills after Cambridge premiere.

Walkway project to connect community with local history and nature
Waikato Herald

Walkway project to connect community with local history and nature

18 Sep 11:30 PM

Planning for the walkway through in the small Waikato village started two years ago.

Walk to Talk returns to Waikato in support of I am Hope
Waikato Herald

Walk to Talk returns to Waikato in support of I am Hope

16 Sep 11:00 PM

Lawrence Wilkinson will host Ōhaupō's 12-Hour Walk to Talk again this month.

Waikato's Capri Paekau signs deal with Warriors
Sport

Waikato's Capri Paekau signs deal with Warriors

16 Sep 03:00 AM

The New Zealand team will make a return to the NRLW in 2025.

Hamilton Rugby wins Peace Cup for fifth time in a row
Waikato Herald

Hamilton Rugby wins Peace Cup for fifth time in a row

05 Sep 02:05 AM

The Hamilton Rugby Sub-Union defeated Eastern Bay in the final 24-0.

Vote for your favourite Healing Art at Pihanga Health in Tūrangi
Waikato Herald

Vote for your favourite Healing Art at Pihanga Health in Tūrangi

05 Sep 12:30 AM

Community votes on art to enhance Pihanga Health's rooms, promoting healing, positivity.

Nominations open for Taupō District Sports Awards 2024
Waikato Herald

Nominations open for Taupō District Sports Awards 2024

04 Sep 02:00 AM

Paralympic silver medallist to speak at Taupō District Sports Awards 2024 ceremony.

Te Awamutu College rugby team claims second trophy in 2024
Sport

Te Awamutu College rugby team claims second trophy in 2024

29 Aug 01:59 AM

Coach Poolman praises team’s character after comeback from 10-0 down to win final.

Senita Lauaki scores in Waikato Rugby debut, following brother Sione's legacy
Sport

Senita Lauaki scores in Waikato Rugby debut, following brother Sione's legacy

26 Aug 12:13 AM

Senita Lauaki, brother of late All Black Sione, debuts for Waikato in 26-20 win.

Waikato athletes shine: 13 of New Zealand’s 20 Olympic medals from Paris 2024
Sport

Waikato athletes shine: 13 of New Zealand’s 20 Olympic medals from Paris 2024

25 Aug 11:09 PM

Cambridge rowers Brooke Francis and Lucy Spoors won gold, defeating reigning champions.

One person in critical condition after three-vehicle crash in Te Awamutu
Waikato Herald

One person in critical condition after three-vehicle crash in Te Awamutu

23 Aug 02:31 AM

Emergency services are attending a serious three-car crash in central Te Awamutu.

Thames Valley rugby great Ray Wells remembered after passing at 86
Waikato Herald

Thames Valley rugby great Ray Wells remembered after passing at 86

22 Aug 03:32 AM

Ray Wells played in the famous 1962 team that beat Australia.

Special Olympics TA's Ella Yarndley graduates from leadership programme
Waikato Herald

Special Olympics TA's Ella Yarndley graduates from leadership programme

20 Aug 11:17 PM

Te Awamutu resident graduates from Special Olympics NZ Athlete Leadership Programme.

Home Kills film tour brings Waikato and BOP to the big screen
Waikato Herald

Home Kills film tour brings Waikato and BOP to the big screen

18 Aug 01:00 AM

Home Kills film tour hits Waikato, Bay of Plenty, and Coromandel cinemas with Q&A sessions

Retro Valley opening for Reece Mastin at The Factory
Waikato Herald

Retro Valley opening for Reece Mastin at The Factory

16 Aug 04:58 PM

Waikato band Retro Valley will open for Reece Mastin at The Factory Hamilton this Saturday

Waikato Rugby lends Christian Leali’ifano to injury-hit Auckland squad
Waikato Herald

Waikato Rugby lends Christian Leali’ifano to injury-hit Auckland squad

16 Aug 03:18 AM

Auckland Rugby thanks Waikato Rugby for loaning Leali'ifano amid injury woes.

A whole ewe world: Waikato shearer places 12th at Europe's largest agricultural show
Waikato Herald

A whole ewe world: Waikato shearer places 12th at Europe's largest agricultural show

15 Aug 12:34 AM

Wellington placed 12th in ladies' shearing at Europe's biggest agricultural show.

Crocodile farmer happy with a new life of teaching
Waikato Herald

Crocodile farmer happy with a new life of teaching

12 Aug 05:01 AM

Before teaching students, Chris Foot farmed crocodiles.

Long days and freezing nights in search of the perfect photo
Waikato Herald

Long days and freezing nights in search of the perfect photo

08 Aug 01:19 AM

The magic happens in the 'blue hour' just before dawn.

Going for gold with a snorkel and flippers
Waikato Herald

Going for gold with a snorkel and flippers

07 Aug 01:30 AM

All four New Zealand teams made it to the podium.

'Yeeted' out the window: Late-night visitor gets short shrift
Waikato Herald

'Yeeted' out the window: Late-night visitor gets short shrift

02 Aug 07:07 PM

A Te Awamutu cat gets a lesson in aeronautics.

Only one change for this year's Waikato NPC squad
Waikato Herald

Only one change for this year's Waikato NPC squad

02 Aug 06:34 PM

Waikato squad sees 32 of 33 named players returning from 2023.

Innovative after school programme helps youth tackle the big issues
Waikato Herald

Innovative after school programme helps youth tackle the big issues

31 Jul 09:08 PM

Anywhere between 60 and 90 kids come through the programme every week.

1000 junior rugby players set for Waikato festival
Waikato Herald

1000 junior rugby players set for Waikato festival

30 Jul 06:00 PM

This year’s Waikato tournament will involve 32 rugby clubs.

Marist unbeaten in 2024
Waikato Herald

Marist unbeaten in 2024

29 Jul 09:35 PM

Impressive year overall for Hamilton Marist Rugby Club.

'Out of hand' flower growing hobby blossoms into fully fledged business
Waikato Herald

'Out of hand' flower growing hobby blossoms into fully fledged business

28 Jul 02:02 AM

The farm is on the side of Kakepuku Mountain near Te Awamutu.

New NZR boss says passion for rugby hasn't changed since he was a little kid
Waikato Herald

New NZR boss says passion for rugby hasn't changed since he was a little kid

24 Jul 06:30 PM

The passionate former All Black is continuing to help the revolving wheel of NZ Rugby.

Hinuera B hosting final in centenary season
Waikato Herald

Hinuera B hosting final in centenary season

23 Jul 12:04 AM

Lance Elrick turns back the clock with a big try-scoring season.

Hamilton's family's sporting dynasty grows with All Blacks halfback call-up
Waikato Herald

Hamilton's family's sporting dynasty grows with All Blacks halfback call-up

10 Jul 11:40 PM

Noah Hotham could become the third sibling to represent New Zealand.

Nordstrom goes from Mooloo man to a Ram
Sport

Nordstrom goes from Mooloo man to a Ram

09 Jul 08:30 PM

The 2024 Chiefs pre-season replacement has been named in the Heartland squad.

'Rowdy' duo get Opshop bonus for fundraising gig
Waikato Herald

'Rowdy' duo get Opshop bonus for fundraising gig

06 Jul 10:00 PM

Rowdy’s Rose will perform at awards concert in United States.

New club rugby trophy honours legacy of Waikato All Blacks greats
Sport

New club rugby trophy honours legacy of Waikato All Blacks greats

04 Jul 08:00 PM

The first match for the Clarke Family Cup took place in Morrinsville last weekend.

Future of rural Waikato lake under review
Waikato Herald

Future of rural Waikato lake under review

03 Jul 03:05 AM

The reserve attracted 44,689 users to its walking and cycling track last year.

Club rugby: Ōhaupō put Putāruru to sword
Sport

Club rugby: Ōhaupō put Putāruru to sword

02 Jul 09:00 PM

Putāruru B claim an away victory in the Division 1B clash.

Waikato and Chiefs gain spots in the big teams
Waikato Herald

Waikato and Chiefs gain spots in the big teams

25 Jun 05:34 AM

Ōtorohanga Sports Club's Cortez Ratima is one of five new All Blacks.

Chiefs fans 'loud', 'loyal' and ready for war as Blues clash awaits
Waikato Herald

Chiefs fans 'loud', 'loyal' and ready for war as Blues clash awaits

21 Jun 12:36 AM

How do you strike fear into the opposing team? Slow roasted marshmallows of course.

Muay Thai machine wins King in the Ring
Waikato Herald

Muay Thai machine wins King in the Ring

14 Jun 02:56 AM

Michael Isaac went from watching the King in the Ring tournament on TV, to winning it.

Waikato-designed robots take over Fieldays
Waikato Herald

Waikato-designed robots take over Fieldays

13 Jun 06:30 PM

Machines to help horticulture industry and its struggles are being exhibited at Fieldays.

Kiwis set to take on the best young rodeo competitors in the US
Waikato Herald

Kiwis set to take on the best young rodeo competitors in the US

06 Jun 06:30 PM

A team of five has been selected for the National High School Finals Rodeo in the USA.

Waikato club rugby: Mixed results for Ōhaupō at Suburbs
Sport

Waikato club rugby: Mixed results for Ōhaupō at Suburbs

05 Jun 09:00 PM

Ōhaupō players showed resilience to score in overtime at Flagstaff Park.

Te Awamutu Marist Rugby Football Club turns 75
Sport

Te Awamutu Marist Rugby Football Club turns 75

05 Jun 01:04 AM

Former All Blacks Frank Bunce and Bill Birtwistle celebrated with the club.

Stephen Cox recognised for service to cycling
Royals

Stephen Cox recognised for service to cycling

02 Jun 05:00 PM

Stephen Cox has been involved in cycling continuously since 1968.

Waikato polo ace to make New Zealand debut in England
Waikato Herald

Waikato polo ace to make New Zealand debut in England

30 May 07:29 PM

New Zealand will challenge England for the historic Golden Jubilee trophy.

Girls' rugby pilot programme gains NZ Rugby's attention
Waikato Herald

Girls' rugby pilot programme gains NZ Rugby's attention

28 May 10:53 PM

The programme aims to increase girls’ participation in rugby across five local clubs.

Food Forest project: Community reap the fruit of their labour
Waikato Herald

Food Forest project: Community reap the fruit of their labour

28 May 02:54 AM

Everyone is invited to take what they need from the garden.

Wellness Workshop in Waipā
Waikato Herald

Wellness Workshop in Waipā

23 May 09:45 PM

Local duo hope to teach people to understand they can take control of their own health.

Chiefs and Magic swap sports ahead of home games
Waikato Herald

Chiefs and Magic swap sports ahead of home games

23 May 09:30 PM

The captain’s run saw Chiefs players take on the Magic ahead of their home matches.

Cambridge school hosts Chiefs player trio
Waikato Herald

Cambridge school hosts Chiefs player trio

21 May 09:00 PM

Students at Goodwood School found out that Chiefs rep Hamilton Burr can eat 12 Weet-Bix.

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